Socio-Economic Assessment

Volterra regularly work for developers and local authorities to assess the socio-economic impact of proposed developments at the local, regional and national levels. We produce socio-economic chapters, regeneration statements, economic development strategies, supporting clients at Public Inquiries where needed.

Our approach to these assessments is in accordance with the relevant assessment regulations and is as follows:

Review national, regional and local planning policy and legislation to conclude on the guidance relevant to the proposed development;

Assess the baseline conditions of the site and local area. This includes consideration of current uses and any activity that will be displaced by planned developments, as well as reviewing the socio-economic characteristics of the surrounding area in order to understand the impact that the development will have.

Estimate the potential effects and any mitigation required. This includes assessment of the numbers of jobs that will be created, impacts on local spending, the population that will be housed, and any impacts that new resident will have upon school requirements or healthcare and open space provision.

Recent socio-economic assessments include:

Land Securities’ Nova mixed-use development in Victoria

Westfield’s retail and residential development in Stratford City

Asper’s casino within Westfield Stratford City

Northern Line Extension to Battersea

Rushden Lakes retail scheme in Northamptonshire

Dorset Green mixed-use development at Winfrith Technology Centre in Dorset

Holiday homes resort in Dorset

Industries

Land Securities

Portland House: Volterra produced the Socio-Economics chapter for the Environmental Statement for the Portland House development in Victoria, City of Westminster (completed January 2013). The proposed development is a residential-led mixed use scheme comprising approximately 205 residential units converted from predominantly office use.

Nova, Victoria: Volterra examined the economic impacts of the development proposal for Land Securities ‘Nova’ development which continues the renewal of the Victoria area. The scheme involves a complete refresh of the business and public environment in the area immediately in front of Victoria Station, with the current bus station making way for a new and vibrant public space, relieving the significant pedestrian congestion that currently takes place in the area. Our work focused on the public benefits of the development, focusing on the productivity, renewal and public space benefits of the mixed use scheme. Following several studies for the client, Volterra were engaged to produce the socio-economic chapter of the Environmental Statement for the scheme.

London Borough of Sutton

Volterra estimated the impact of a mixed use retail-led development on Sutton High Street, London Borough of Sutton (completed March 2013). The proposed development would incorporate a large supermarket, office and retail uses totalling approximately 13,000 sq m. The development would also include 163 residential units.

Royal Mail

Volterra produced the Socio-Economics ES chapter for the redevelopment of the Royal Mail Sorting Office site at Mount Pleasant, London Borough of Islington (completed April 2013). The proposed development would incorporate up to 681 flats in addition to approximately 5,150 m2 of commercial floorspace.